Focaccia Garlic Bread Recipe
Make Focaccia Garlic Bread Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Garlic Topping & Finishing
Method
Dough
- 1
Bloom yeast
In a medium bowl combine warm water (1 3/4 cups), sugar (1 tsp) and active dry yeast (2 tsp). Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy and fragrant. If it doesn’t foam, discard and start with fresh yeast and slightly warmer water.
- 2
Mix flour and salt
In a large mixing bowl whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp fine sea salt so salt is evenly distributed.
- 3
Combine dough
Make a well in the flour and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or dough hook on low speed, stir until a shaggy, slightly sticky dough forms. Add up to 2–4 tbsp more water or a tablespoon more flour only if dough feels excessively dry or wet; dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not batter-like.
- 4
Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic (or knead 4–5 minutes in a stand mixer with dough hook). Do not over-flour; dough should remain slightly tacky.
- 5
First rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, place dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping, Topping & Baking
- 6
Prepare pan
Generously oil a 12x17-inch sheet pan or equivalent baking tray with 1 tbsp olive oil so dough won’t stick. You can also use a 9x13 pan for a thicker focaccia — adjust time accordingly.
- 7
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- 9
Make dimples
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Using oiled fingertips, press deep dimples across the surface of the dough about 1–2 inches apart. The dimples hold the garlic oil and create the classic focaccia texture.
- 10
Make garlic-olive oil mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and the 6 minced garlic cloves. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes — do not brown — just until garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- 11
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- 14
Cool and serve
Allow focaccia to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set the crumb, then transfer to a wire rack or cut directly in the pan into 8–12 pieces. Serve warm as an entree accompaniment or as garlic bread. For best texture, consume within the day or refresh briefly in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.